Members of the House of Representatives from Osun State have accused the federal government of unlawfully withholding funds meant for the 30 local government councils in the state, describing the action as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and a violation of the principles of true federalism.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, eight members of the Osun State Caucus in the House of Representatives called for the immediate release of the seized funds, lamenting that the development was crippling local governance and service delivery in the state.
The petition was signed by Hon. Bamidele Salam (Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo), Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central/Ife North/Ife South/Ife East), and six other representatives.
They stated that the funds had been withheld for over four months, allegedly on the orders of the federal government, based on a misinterpretation of the court judgments that nullified a controversial local government election held in October 2022.
Citing Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the lawmakers noted that no arm of the Federal Government had the legal authority to suspend or withhold statutory allocations to local government councils.
They further recalled a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court during Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where the court ruled against the then Federal Government’s attempt to withhold allocations.
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The lawmakers said, “We are worried that funds meant to pay salaries of local government workers, fix rural roads, provide water, maintain primary healthcare centres and perform other obligations of government are being withheld in a manner that suggests playing politics with the welfare and security of our people.”
They detailed how the 2022 local government elections conducted under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola were nullified by two separate judgments of the Federal High Court, both of which have now been affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
The lawmakers explained that a fresh and lawful local government election was held on February 22, 2025, with new chairmen and councillors duly sworn in by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Despite the legal clarity, the Central Bank of Nigeria, on alleged directive from the Federal Government, continues to withhold the local council allocations, a development the lawmakers say undermines the constitution and democracy.
They also raised concerns about alleged moves by unnamed political players to divert the funds to loyalists who have no legal capacity to manage them.
“We are even more worried by recent boastings by some political players in Osun State that the seized funds will be paid to persons whose only claim is belonging to a ‘ruling party’,” the lawmakers stated.
They urged President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Governor of the CBN to ensure the immediate release of the withheld allocations to the rightful authorities.
They concluded by assuring the President of their continued support in nation-building, expressing confidence in his commitment to justice, true federalism, and rule of law.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
